Chikungunya virus can lead to deadly cardiovascular conditions such as ischemic heart disease and kidney diseases three months after recovery from infection.
At 544, Amritsar accounts for 36% cases alone; followed by Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala and Pathankot; in just one year, the number of cases has jumped by 226% from 460 in 2022
The FDA's approval of a chikungunya vaccine brings hope to regions facing the highest risk of the mosquito-borne virus that has affected over 110 countries.
Chikungunya, which causes fever and severe joint pain, is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, southeast Asia and part of the Americas.
The meeting, held at the additional deputy commissioner’s office, brought together key officials, including the district nodal officer Dr Ramesh Kumar, district epidemiologist Dr Sheetal, and representatives from the municipal corporation and health department